The Rockies have said they would like Rafael Betancourt back. By Tuesday’s 10 p.m. deadline, they can prove it. Betancourt is the only free agent they are expected to offer salary arbitration after being unable to come to terms on a two-year, $7-million contract.

Catcher Yorvit Torrealba, reliever Joe Beimel and starter Jason Marquis are among the other notable free agents not expected to receive offers. The team re-opened dialogue last week with Torrealba, who wants to return but is attracting interest from the Giants and Blue Jays.

Here’s what it means if they extend an offer to Betancourt: He has six days to accept. If he does, his one-year salary will be determined by an arbiter. He will receive a raise from last season’s $3.35 million salary, but possibly less than the $5 million club option the Rockies declined.

This is a financial risk Colorado will take for two reasons: Betancourt would still fit in the budget, and if the veteran declines the Rockies’ offer the team will receive two high-round compensatory picks in next June’s amateur draft if he signs elsewhere. That compensation could limit Betancourt’s suitors. But the Phillies and Red Sox are among the team’s that have interest and could be willing to pay both the salary and relinguish picks.

The Rockies have been busy this offseason discussing contracts with their arbitration-eligible players. While Huston Street and Clint Barmes are candidates for multi-year deals, the team is now eyeing one-year contracts for Chris Iannetta and Jorge De La Rosa.

The Rockies are trolling the waters for pitching depth of all types in the event they lose Jose Contreras, Beimel and Betancourt. The team has talked with Beimel’s agent, but nothing has developed. Contreras is currently shopping his services to Japanese teams.

Those are the Rockies’ radar include Justin Duchscherer and Miguel Batista. The Rockies are also looking for right-handed bench help – someone who can play first and third — even though they are more inclined to keep Ryan Spilborghs than when the season ended. Those that fit the description include Bobby Crosby, Rich Aurilia and Fernando Tatis among others.